Highlights
- Less than 15,000 miles (24,000km) from new
- Spectacular condition throughout
- Comprehensive documented service history
- Rosso Corsa Red with Cream leather
- Ferraris’ last front engined GT with fully manual gearbox
The Appeal
When Ferrari discontinued the mid-engined F512M in 1996 most observers thought it may be the end of the 12 cylinder Ferrari.
But, much to everyone’s surprise, the new Ferrari 550 Maranello followed in the GT tyre tracks of the venerable Daytona, with a V12 at the front.
With 478hp and a 0-60 time of 4.4 seconds it was no slouch even by modern standards! A top speed of a whisker under 200 mph further enhanced its mythical GT status.
But, much to everyone’s surprise, the new Ferrari 550 Maranello followed in the GT tyre tracks of the venerable Daytona, with a V12 at the front.
With 478hp and a 0-60 time of 4.4 seconds it was no slouch even by modern standards! A top speed of a whisker under 200 mph further enhanced its mythical GT status.
From its launch 1997 Ferrari produced just over 3,000 550s before it was replaced by the 575M in 2002. In our opinion the purer lines and less fussy appearance of the earlier 550M makes it the more attractive of the two.
Highly praised for its smooth power delivery, ride and handling at the time, it remains today as one of the all time great Grand Touring Ferraris.
Highly praised for its smooth power delivery, ride and handling at the time, it remains today as one of the all time great Grand Touring Ferraris.
History and Paperwork
- First registered June 2001 in Oman
- Bought by second owner in 2003
- Purchased privately from second owner in Bahrain
- Imported from Bahrain to the UK in 2014
- All export documents and receipts for purchase on file
- All taxes paid, NOVA on file
- UK registered as Y503ERH in 2015
- Private plate UDL1 not included in sale
- Full Service History in book with 13 stamps
- Cambelt changed in 2005, 2008, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2019 and 2022
- Most recent service in May 2022 by SMDG Ferrari Specialists including cambelt at 23,820km
- Just 3km since last service
- MoT valid until June 2023
- Stack of invoices from Oman and Bahrain
- All invoices for servicing and maintenance by SMDG since 2015
- Invoices totalling more than £12,000 for maintenance since 2015 on file
- Maintenance of note since 2015 including new engine mounts, new HT leads, A/C compressor repaired and new A/C condenser/dryer fitted. Cam covers sent for wrinkle finishing and underside/suspension waxoyled.
- Full set of Owner’s Books in leather wallet
- Two sets of keys
- Original unused jack and tools in leather case
- Original toolkit with all tools and bulbs and belts in leather case
The Interior
- Cream leather seats and interior
- Clean black carpets (still covered with plastic)
- Steering wheel and instrumentation like new
Unsurprisingly for a car that has covered fewer than 15,000 miles from new the interior is near perfect.
The cream leather seats were reconditioned in 2017 and remain in excellent condition. All the other cream leather areas, including the door panels, lower dash and centre console are equally smart without a mark to be found.
The black carpets are clean with the original plastic still covering areas around the footwells and behind the seats; it was still in place when it arrived from Bahrain in 2015 and the seller decided to leave it alone.
We studied the inside closely and found only two areas that could be improved; firstly the passenger’s side sun visor is a bit droopy and could do with tightening to hold it in the up position. Secondly the seller pointed out that the heater front panel covering has wrinkled, maybe in the desert heat, but there is a new, boxed replacement panel that will come with the car ready to be fitted.
The cream leather seats were reconditioned in 2017 and remain in excellent condition. All the other cream leather areas, including the door panels, lower dash and centre console are equally smart without a mark to be found.
The black carpets are clean with the original plastic still covering areas around the footwells and behind the seats; it was still in place when it arrived from Bahrain in 2015 and the seller decided to leave it alone.
We studied the inside closely and found only two areas that could be improved; firstly the passenger’s side sun visor is a bit droopy and could do with tightening to hold it in the up position. Secondly the seller pointed out that the heater front panel covering has wrinkled, maybe in the desert heat, but there is a new, boxed replacement panel that will come with the car ready to be fitted.
The steering wheel is like new with no wear, the gauges are clean and clear and the remaining switchgear is tidy and working properly. The luggage storage shelf behind the seats still has the luggage net and leather straps in place, again in lovely condition.
The roof lining is matching cream in colour and gives the interior a light and airy feel, especially when combined with the graceful, thin pillars and large expanse of glass.
Following in the footsteps of Ferrari’s GT cars of the past there is of course the beautifully machined Ferrari open gate gear shift which is a complete delight to use.
The 550 was the last front engine Ferrari to offer a manual gearbox, and after the 550 and 575M only the F430 continued to offer one until 2009.
The roof lining is matching cream in colour and gives the interior a light and airy feel, especially when combined with the graceful, thin pillars and large expanse of glass.
Following in the footsteps of Ferrari’s GT cars of the past there is of course the beautifully machined Ferrari open gate gear shift which is a complete delight to use.
The 550 was the last front engine Ferrari to offer a manual gearbox, and after the 550 and 575M only the F430 continued to offer one until 2009.
The Exterior
- Stunning Rosso Corsa Red paintwork in great condition
- Original 18 inch five spoke magnesium alloy wheels with new Pirelli tyres
- Superb exterior in every respect
We would suggest a look through the accompanying photographs to see just how lovely this Ferrari is.
The bright Rosso Corsa red paint is near perfect, with no dull areas or stone chips. The glass and light lenses are in great condition, and all the correct badges and lettering is in place.
The factory magnesium split rim alloy wheels are perfect, wearing the correct Pirelli PZero tyres that show the lightest of wear, probably about 15,000 miles worth!
The bright Rosso Corsa red paint is near perfect, with no dull areas or stone chips. The glass and light lenses are in great condition, and all the correct badges and lettering is in place.
The factory magnesium split rim alloy wheels are perfect, wearing the correct Pirelli PZero tyres that show the lightest of wear, probably about 15,000 miles worth!
We studied the paintwork closely and could not find fault. The photographs say it all.. it’s just gorgeous.
The Mechanics
- Immaculate 5.5 litre V12 in clean and tidy engine bay
- Excellent service history with recent cambelt change
- “On the button” and drives beautifully
The paper history and record of maintenance couldn’t be any better with this car.
The original service book has 13 service stamps plus further stamps for belt changes.
Starting in 2005 it has had SIX full cambelt changes, the most recent being in May this year when it was fully serviced, and it has covered just 3 km since.
Factory fresh under the bonnet and equally tidy underneath, there can be few 550s as close to “as new” condition in existence.
The original service book has 13 service stamps plus further stamps for belt changes.
Starting in 2005 it has had SIX full cambelt changes, the most recent being in May this year when it was fully serviced, and it has covered just 3 km since.
Factory fresh under the bonnet and equally tidy underneath, there can be few 550s as close to “as new” condition in existence.
We were thrilled to able to drive the Ferrari for a few miles after the photography session and are delighted to report that we think its new owner will be delighted with it.
It drives beautifully, with more than adequate power and great gobs of V12 torque. It tracks well, even on rough roads, and there are no rattles, clunks or strange noises.
It drives beautifully, with more than adequate power and great gobs of V12 torque. It tracks well, even on rough roads, and there are no rattles, clunks or strange noises.
With such a comprehensive history of servicing and maintenance we’d suggest that there is nothing requiring attention and it appears to be in fine health.
Summary
If you are lucky enough to be scouring the market for one of Ferrari's greatest front engine GT cars then it is unlikely you’ll find a better example.
The history is excellent, the maintenance record is exemplary, and mileage is incredibly low.
We’ve not seen a finer example.
The history is excellent, the maintenance record is exemplary, and mileage is incredibly low.
We’ve not seen a finer example.
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